The world economy is in trouble and as a consequence of the lay-offs many people have been forced to jump into the uncomfortable task of looking for a new job. Unfortunately, some companies seem not to be willing to make applicants’ life easier with simple web and job application process designs.

Internet should make job application easier, not harder. Last weeks I have been hearing complaints from people about how tedious online applications are. Websites like CareerBuilder have good intentions as they try to simplify the process giving the possibility of uploading the CV once and send the same copy to all companies.

Unfortunately, many companies require applicants to send the CV and to fill a web form with the same information. This process could make applicants go crazy if it is not well design.
 

Sorry, there was an error, would you please fill the form again? A friend got that message a few times last week, but even once is enough to make people feel worse in a particularly bad moment. These are few things companies should keep in mind when creating a web form for job applicants:

- Make sure your web form continuously saves the information the applicant is uploading.
- Display a message confirming that the data was saved successfully.
- Make the web form simple and short.
- If the web form has to be long, divide it in steps.
- Maybe the best option is to avoid using web forms and let applicants send the CV per email.

Why a company should have a well designed application process?

- Yes, everybody wants to work at that company, but if data is lost during the saving process I’m sure not everybody will take the time to fill all that info again. That company might be missing the right applicant.

- It’s about the company’s image. Make the process simple and easy and applicants will love you and your website. 
- Applicants might think the company is playing with their time. Can you imagine the rage a company can flame if the data is lost after several minutes in front of the computer?

- Think in the moment applicants reach the company’s website and their mood. Many people apply during weekends when others are having fun or late at night after work when they are tired. This could affect the perception they get about the questions a company makes on web forms, it’s better not to abuse. 

If a company wants to hire the best ones, a good selection process might be needed to improve the whole user experience, one thought as a whole process design. These are a few questions a company should keep in mind at the moment of designing the application process: How applicants will get to my website? How are they going to apply? Do I really need a web form or should a CV upload be enough?